Yoli Lara (@theyolimarlara) is a 24 year old model, actress, and muse. Recently, she participated in Miss Universe Puerto Rico where she made it to the top ten finalists. She grew up in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico and at age 17 made her transition to Los Angeles where she is now based.

What is one of the most beautiful things that you’ve witnessed or experienced?

It would be the time that I was in Rio. Coming from an island, being an Aquarius, everything that has to do with nature and water really calls to me. Every single time that I'm near a beach, being in the presence of the ocean is the most magical thing. The beach and sand is a good connection for me.

What does beauty mean for you? What is beauty?

Beauty is defined in your own special way. Seeing myself as a muse, one day I may feel tomboyish so I would wear my sneakers and shoes. Other days I may want to be girly, so I’ll put on makeup. I think beauty could be defined as being yourself, however you’re feeling that day. Any day could be a parade, any day could be an amazing day.

How do you keep focused?

I feel like routines work really well for me. My morning routine is meditating, eating breakfast, usually fruit or oatmeal followed by hitting the gym. I feel that grounds me and puts me in a conquering mode for the day. If my body feels amazing, then I can feel amazing.

What type of meditations do you practice?

I've always been super positive and I've always wanted to surround myself with people who are positive. I practice mindfulness meditation with words of affirmation. Speaking into existence, unto the universe of what I want and what my goals are has really helped me. It inspires and makes me feel like I'm getting closer each day.

When and why did you start your practice?

A year-and-a-half ago I had a break down where everything was going wrong including my family, work, and personal life. I came to the conclusion that if my body or mind isn’t right, I could not progress. If something or someone is not positive, I don't want it in my life. I’ve learned that you just have to keep at it, and everything else will be fine.

What do you think your purpose here on Earth is?

To make people happy. I think my happiness will always be second place and I'm okay with that. Nothing gives me greater joy than putting a smile on someone else's face. That could be through my work, through my acting, through every day interactions with people. It brings me happiness to bring other people happiness and that's why I love my craft so much, because I'm able to do that through my art.

Where did that desire come from?

I had a really hard childhood, so for me it was fun to grow from that. I vowed that I was always going to be happy no matter what. People die, you could be here today here and gone tomorrow so why not live your best life.